10 Climbing Philodendron Varieties – Types of Vining Philodendrons

If you too have caught philodendron fever, you’ll be happy to know that there are over 450 philodendron varieties. Some are climbing philodendrons, others are self-heading, but all are stunning.

In this article, I want to cover some popular and a few of the most extravagant climbing philodendron varieties that I like the most.

Climbing philodendrons can either be grown in hanging baskets and the stems can be allowed to just cascade down the sides, or you can provide support structures such as moss poles for these plants to climb on.

Here are 10 climbing philodendron plants that will surely pique your interest:

Heartleaf Philodendron

This houseplant darling is all that it’s cracked up to be — low maintenance, lush with foliage and an endearing plant to have around. It’s heart-shaped leaves and vining stems are easy to train to climb on a pole or stakes.

The heartleaf philodendron can grow 4-6 feet in length and enjoys bright light, humidity and average room temperature.

Unlike other philodendron varieties, the Heartleaf can adapt to lower light conditions, but its growth will not be as spectacular.

Be careful not to overwater your philodendron and ensure a spot in a naturally humid area in your home such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Philodendron Brasil

Just as easy to maintain as the popular Heartleaf philodendron, the Brasil cultivar also features heart-shaped leaves, but they come with an interesting twist — lime-green center strips coupled with yellow splotches across the leaves.

The yellow coloration is due to a genetic mutation in the plant called variegation, which can fade away if the plant is not getting enough light.

Therefore, to enjoy the wonderful display of colors of the Philodendron Brasil, you need to ensure that it receives enough bright light.

In low light conditions, this variety will lose its variegation, putting out plain green leaves, just as a heartleaf philodendron would.

Philodendron Brandtianum

If you liked the variegation on the Philodendron Brasil, wait till you see what the Brandtianum has in store for you. This climbing philodendron variety has spectacular, wide, silvery bands between the veins of its olive green leaves.

You can grow this plant in a hanging basket or teach it to climb with staked support. Other than its differently colored leaves, the philodendron Brandtianum has a lot in common with the Heartleaf variety.

Even though it’s a variegated cultivar that’s supposed to need plenty of bright, indirect light to prevent its variegation from reverting back to normal, the Brandtianum actually does well even in dimmer spaces.

Philodendron Micans

With vines that can reach six feet in length, the Philodendron Micans is another variety worth your attention.

The Micans is different from other varieties in that its leaves are covered with tiny hairs that create interesting hues on the leaf depending on how the light hits the plant.

The leaves are heart-shaped, displaying a combination of colors from dark green to bronze. When the leaves are small, their undersides have a reddish coloration, while the texture of the leaves is velvety. As the leaves mature, they become smoother.

The plant enjoys bright light and does poorly in dimmer light, so make sure to find a well-lit spot for it in your home.

Unlike other philodendrons that prefer evenly moist soil, the Micans does better if its soil is allowed to dry slightly more between waterings.

Philodendron Pedatum

An exotic-looking climbing philodendron, the Pedatum breaks from the classic heart-shaped leaf form, and showcases deeply lobed leaves, strikingly similar in pattern to the leaves of oak trees. Because of this feature, the Pedatum is also known as the Oak-leaf Philodendron.

The leaves can reach nine inches in length. They’re shiny and gather dust, so cleaning the leaves is an important part of its maintenance and wards off pests and other leaf diseases.

The leaves don’t start out with the oak-leaf shape, however. When still young, the plant puts out oval-shaped leaves that become lobed as they grow and mature.

Philodendron Bipennifolium

Prized for its unique leaf shape, the Philodendron Bipennifolium is a large climbing philodendron. Its leaves can reach over a foot in length.

The leaves are light green with yellow hues, but other color variations are also available including variegated ones.

Because it’s a large-growing variety with a moderately fast-paced growth habit, you’ll need quite a bit of space but also plenty of bright light. The leaves naturally seek out light and turn towards it, so it’s best if you periodically rotate the plant, so the light reaches the leaves uniformly.

Because of its tall growth, it’s best to stake the Bipennifolium, so it doesn’t flop.

Philodendron Hastatum

Possibly my favorite philodendrons in terms of leaf color and shape, the Hastatum is a true gem. It features arrowhead-shaped leaves that grow to nine inches in width and almost two feet in length.

The plant itself can also reach ten feet in length, so it’s a large climbing variety that displays impressive foliage. The leaves are grey-green in color and feature a metallic hue that makes the plant all the more mesmerizing.

Therefore, if you have a space that needs filling, the Hastatum will not disappoint. The only problem with the plant — besides the need for plenty of light — is its susceptibility to root rot.

Be very careful in watering the Hastatum and consider planting it in terracotta pots and not a plastic pot that takes longer to dry out.

Philodendron Mayoi

 

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Another climber with deeply lobed leaves, the Philodendron Mayoi has strong stems that wind into various shapes as the plant grows and climbs.

It needs the routine care of most philodendrons but with an extra focus on light. If the Mayoi doesn’t receive enough light, its leaves will become thin and stretched as the plant undergoes etiolation in its search for more light.

This philodendron variety does best with some sort of support structure, although it can be allowed to grow without support, especially if you don’t mind it wandering away.

Philodendron ‘Bob Cee’

 

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A tall-growing and climbing philodendron variety, the ‘Bob Cee’ features deeply lobed and toothed leaves that grow on tall stalks. The leaves are dark green and smooth; they can grow over three feet in length.

Other than its exotic, jungle vibe, this philodendron variety behaves like any other philodendron. It enjoys bright light, regular watering and humidity.

Although the center vine of the plant is thick, it’s best to use a moss pole to guide the growth of the plant. Favor terracotta pots over plastic ones, if not for the extra support they offer to the plant, than for their better absorption of humidity that can minimize root rot issues.

Philodendron Lacerum

 

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Native to the Caribbean, the Philodendron Lacerum is another show-stopper variety that features a climbing growth pattern.

As it is the case with philodendrons, the leaves are their primary attraction and the Lacerum does not disappoint — it features large, grey-green leaves with multiple lobes around the edges.

The thick veins of the leaves are a lighter green, while the glossy undersides are a darker shade of green.

It’s a rare find, but one that’s worth the search, especially that you’re not looking at a fussy philodendron — besides the need for plenty of light, this plant will be happy with your regular philodendron plant care routine.

Conclusion

Philodendrons are stunning foliage plants with an abundance of varieties. Different leaf shapes, sizes, growth patterns and leaf colors, they can make any plant enthusiast content.

Make sure to choose a well-draining substrate for these plants and water only when the top inch of soil gets dry. Ensure plenty of indirect light and keep away from cold or cold drafts.

If a climbing houseplant is on the list of plants you want for your home or office, you will enjoy any of the climbing philodendron varieties I discussed above.